Image reading device

ABSTRACT

In an image reading device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements formed in one or more rows on an IC chip and a conductor layer having openings formed therein for limiting light striking the photoelectric conversion elements, a conductor having substantially the same width as the conductor layer is formed in the area extending from the photoelectric conversion element located at each end of the IC chip to the chip edge. This arrangement helps make light shield conditions nearly equal for the photoelectric conversion element located at an end of the IC chip and for the other photoelectric conversion elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an image reading device, such as an image sensor, that converts optical information to an electric signal.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] As FIG. 8 shows, an image reading device is composed of IC chips K₁, K₂, . . . , K_(m), each having photoelectric conversion elements formed thereon, arranged in a row and mounted on a printed circuit board (not shown). The IC chips K₁, K₂, . . . , K_(m) sequentially output photoelectric conversion signals, which are then converted by an A/D converter 100 into a digital signal, which is then fed out via an output terminal 200. Conventionally, as the IC chips K₁, K₂, . . . , K_(m), IC chips of an identical configuration are used.

[0005] Within each IC chip, as the photoelectric conversion elements, a plurality of photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n) are formed in a row. FIGS. 9A and 9B are a top view and a sectional view, respectively, schematically showing such an IC chip. Here, a P-type substrate 21 serves as the anodes of the photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n), and N-type regions 22 serve as the cathodes of the photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n). On an insulating film 24, a metal conductor 25, such as one made of aluminum, is formed as a light shield film, with openings W left in positions corresponding to the N-type regions 22.

[0006] The conductor width W1 between two adjacent photodiodes is determined according to the resolution of the device as a whole. Moreover, to make the characteristics of the individual elements as uniform as possible, an identical pattern is formed repeatedly. As a result, the conductor width W2 on the chip edge 30 side of the photodiodes PD₁ and PD_(n) located at both ends of the IC chip is equal to about one half of the conductor width W1 between two adjacent photodiodes.

[0007] Furthermore, conventionally, to prevent short-circuiting between the substrate 21 and the conductor 25 during scribing, no conductor, even including the conductor 25 serving as the light shield film, is formed in the areas covering a predetermined distance W3, defined in design rules, from the chip edges 30.

[0008] Accordingly, conventionally, as the resolution of the device becomes higher, the conductor width W2 secured on the chip edge 30 side of the photodiodes PD₁ and PD_(n) located at both ends becomes narrower. This makes it more likely that unwanted light leaks in these photodiodes PD₁ and PD_(n) obliquely from above and through the sides of the IC chip as compared with the other photodiodes.

[0009] As described above, light shield conditions differ between for the photodiodes located at both ends and for the other photodiodes, and therefore, even if uniform light is shone on all the photodiodes, the cathode voltages of the photodiodes at both ends are usually significantly lower than the cathode voltages of the other photodiodes. This causes great variations among the signal levels obtained from the individual photodiodes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device with reduced variations among the signal levels obtained from the individual photoelectric conversion elements thereof.

[0011] To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in an image reading device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements formed in one or more rows on an IC chip and a conductor layer having openings formed therein for limiting light striking the photoelectric conversion elements, a conductor having substantially the same width as the conductor layer is formed in the area extending from the photoelectric conversion element located at each end of the IC chip to the chip edge. This arrangement helps make light shield conditions nearly equal for the photoelectric conversion element located at an end of the IC chip and for the other photoelectric conversion elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] This and other objects and features of the present invention will become clear from the following description, taken in conjunction with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of each of the IC chips constituting the image reading device of a first embodiment of the invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of each of the IC chips constituting the image reading device of a second embodiment of the invention;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a timing chart of relevant signals in each of the IC chips constituting the image reading device of the second embodiment;

[0016]FIG. 4A is a plan view showing an example of the structure of each of the IC chips constituting the image reading devices of the first and second embodiments;

[0017]FIG. 4B is a sectional view of FIG. 4A;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the structure of each of the IC chips constituting the image reading devices of the first and second embodiments;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing still another example of the structure of each of the IC chips constituting the image reading devices of the first and second embodiments;

[0020]FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a further example of the structure of each of the IC chips constituting the image reading devices of the first and second embodiments;

[0021]FIG. 7B is a sectional view of FIG. 7A;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline of the circuit configuration of an image reading device;

[0023]FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of the conventional structure of each of the IC chips constituting an image reading device; and

[0024]FIG. 9B is a sectional view of FIG. 9A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the circuit configuration of each of the IC chips constituting the image reading device of a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0026] Photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n), serving as photoelectric conversion elements, have their anodes connected to ground, and have their cathodes connected respectively to the gates of p-channel MOSFETs (metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors) A₁, A₂, . . . , A_(n) for amplification. The transistors A₁, A₂, . . . , A_(n) receive, at their sources, constant currents respectively from constant-current sources I₁, I₂, . . . , I_(n), and have their drains connected to ground.

[0027] A bias voltage supply circuit 2 outputs a positive direct-current voltage stably. The voltage (hereinafter referred to as the “bias voltage”) output from the bias voltage supply circuit 2 is applied, through the drain-source channels of p-channel MOSFETs B₁, B₂, . . . B_(n) for switching, to the cathodes of the photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n) respectively.

[0028] In this circuit configuration, when the transistor B_(x) (x=1, 2, . . . , n) remains on for a predetermined time or longer, a reverse bias is applied to the photodiode PD_(x), and thus a predetermined amount of electric charge is accumulated therein. In the following descriptions, this will be depicted as “the photodiode PD_(x) being initialized.”

[0029] When the transistor B_(x) turns from on to off, the initialization of the photodiode PD_(x) is broken off, and the accumulated electric charge is discharged in proportion to the amount of incident light, causing a current to flow. Thus, the photodiode PDX gives a voltage proportional to the amount of incident light.

[0030] Moreover, a transistor C_(x) turns on, with the result that the voltage signal (hereinafter referred to simply as “the signal of the photodiode PD_(x)”) at the cathode of the photodiode PD_(x) is amplified by a source-follower circuit formed by the transistor A_(x), is then subjected to further amplification, waveform shaping, and other processing by an output circuit 51, and is then fed out via a terminal T_(OUT) (hereinafter, this will be depicted as “the signal of the photodiode PD_(x) being read out”).

[0031] A control circuit 52 controls the transistors C_(x) in such a way that the signals of the photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n) are output sequentially, and also controls the transistors Bx in such a way that the photodiode PD_(x) is initialized every time the signal of this photodiode PD_(x) is read out.

[0032] Next, the circuit configuration of each of the IC chips constituting the image reading device of a second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Photodiodes PD₁, . . . , PD_(n), PD₁′, . . . , PD_(n)′ serving as photoelectric conversion elements, have their anodes connected to ground, and have their cathodes connected respectively to the gates of p-channel MOSFETs A₁, . . . , A_(n), A₁′, . . . , A_(n)′ for amplification.

[0033] Here, the photodiodes PD₁′, . . . , PD_(n)′ have their light-receiving surfaces shielded so as not to be involved in image reading. In the following descriptions, these photodiodes will be referred to also as the “dummy photodiodes.” On the other hand, the photodiodes PD₁, . . . , PD_(n) do not have their light-receiving surfaces shielded, and are used in image reading. In the following descriptions, these photodiodes will be referred to also as the “image reading photodiodes.”

[0034] The transistors A₁, . . . , A_(n), A₁′, . . . , A_(n)′ have their sources connected, through the drain-source channels of p-channel MOSFETs D₁, . . . , D_(n), D₁′, . . .D_(n)′ respectively, to a supply voltage. The transistors D₁, . . . , D_(n), D₁′, . . . , D_(n)′ have their gates connected to ground, and the transistors A₁, . . . , A_(n), A₁′, . . . , A_(n)′ receive constant currents at their sources.

[0035] The transistors A₁, . . . , A₁′, . . . , A_(n)′ have their drains connected, through the drain-source channels of n-channel MOSFETs E₁, . . . , E_(n), E₁′, . . . , E_(n)′ respectively, to ground. A logic circuit 1 controls the transistors E₁, . . . E_(n), E₁′, . . . , E_(n)′ in such a way that they remain on only from immediately before the start of the reading of the signal from the first image reading photodiode PD₁ until the completion of the reading of the signal from the last image reading photodiode PD_(n). This helps reduce electric power consumption.

[0036] A bias voltage (i.e. a stable direct-current voltage output from a bias voltage supply circuit 2) is applied, through the drain-source channels of p-channel MOSFETs B₁, . . . , B_(n), B₁′, . . . , B_(n)′ for switching, to the cathodes of the photodiodes PD₁, . . . , PD_(n), PD₁′, . . . , PD_(n)′ respectively. The transistors B₁, . . . , B_(n), B₁′, . . . , B_(n)′ respectively receive, at their gates, signals output from terminals M₁, . . . , M_(n), M₁′, . . . , M_(n)′ of a shift register 3.

[0037] The transistors A₁, A₂, . . . , A_(n) have their sources connected, respectively through the drain-source channels of p-channel MOSFETs C₁, C₂, . . . , C_(n) for switching, together to the gate of an n-channel MOSFET 4-1. The transistors A₁′, A₂′, . . . , A_(n)′ have their sources connected, respectively through the drain-source channels of p-channel MOSFETs C₁′, C₂′, . . . , C_(n)′ for switching, together to the gate of an n-channel MOSFET 4-2.

[0038] The transistors C₁, . . . , C_(n), C₁′, . . . , C_(n)′ respectively receive, at their gates, signals output from terminals O₁, . . . , O_(n), O₁′ of the shift register 3. The sources of the transistors 4-1 and 4-2 are connected, through constant current sources 5-1 and 5-2 respectively, to ground. The drains of the transistors 4-1 and 4-2 are connected to the supply voltage.

[0039] Buffer amplifiers 6-1 and 6-2 are each composed of an operational amplifier having its output fed back to its own inverting input terminal (−). The input sides of the buffer amplifiers 6-1 and 6-2 (i.e. the non-inverting input terminal (+) of each operational amplifier) are connected to the sources of the transistors 4-1 and 4-2 respectively.

[0040] That is, the signals of the image reading photodiodes PD_(x) (x=1, 2, . . . , n) are fed, through the source follower circuits formed by the transistors A_(x) respectively, and then through the source follower circuit formed by the transistor 4-1, to the buffer amplifier 6-1. On the other hand, the signals of the dummy photodiodes PD_(x)′ are fed, through the source follower circuits formed by the transistors A_(x)′ respectively, and then through the source follower circuit formed by the transistor 4-2, to the buffer amplifier 6-2.

[0041] The output side (the output terminal of the operational amplifier) of the buffer amplifier 6-1 is connected through a resistor R₁ to the inverting input terminal (−) of an operational amplifier 7. The output side of the buffer amplifier 6-2 is connected through a resistor R₂ to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the operational amplifier 7.

[0042] To the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the operational amplifier 7, a direct-current reference voltage is fed from outside the IC chip via a terminal T_(REF) thereof through a resistor R₃. The output terminal of the operational amplifier 7 is connected through a resistor R₄ to its own inverting input terminal (−), and also to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of an operational amplifier 8.

[0043] To the inverting input terminal (−) of the operational amplifier 8, its own output terminal is connected through a resistor R₅, and also the reference voltage fed from outside via the terminal T_(REF) is applied through a resistor R₆.

[0044] A buffer amplifier 9 is composed of an operational amplifier with its output fed back to its own inverting input terminal (−). To the input side of the buffer amplifier 9, the output terminal of the operational amplifier 8 is connected through a capacitor 10. Moreover, the input side of the buffer amplifier 9 is connected through a switch 11 to the node between resistors R₇ and R₈ that are connected in series between the terminal T_(REF), to which the reference voltage is applied from outside, and ground.

[0045] The switch 11 is composed of, for example, an analog switch, and is controlled by the logic circuit 1 in such a way as to remain on only for a predetermined time before the start of the reading of the first image reading photodiode PD₁.

[0046] The output of the buffer amplifier 9 is fed out through a switch 12 via a terminal T_(OUT) of the IC chip. The switch 12 is composed of, for example, an analog switch, and is controlled by the logic circuit 1 in such a way as to remain on only from immediately before the start of the reading of the signal from the first image reading photodiode PD₁ until the completion of the reading of the signal from the last image reading photodiode PD_(n).

[0047] The logic circuit 1 receives a clock signal CLK fed in from outside via a terminal T_(CLK) of the IC chip and a start trigger signal ST fed in from outside via a terminal T_(SI) of the IC chip. The clock signal CLK fed to the individual IC chips are common to all of them. On the basis of the clock signal CLK and the start trigger signal ST fed thereto, the logic circuit 1 controls the transistors E_(x) and the switches 11 and 12 in the manner described above.

[0048] The start trigger signal ST, fed in via the terminal T_(SI) of the IC chip, and the clock signal CLK, fed in via the terminal T_(CLK) of the IC chip, are also fed through the logic circuit 1 to the shift register 3. As FIG. 3 shows, the shift register 3 sequentially outputs, in synchronism with the second and following trailing edges of the clock signal CLK after the rising edge of the start trigger signal ST, negative pulses, each having a pulse width equal to one period of the clock signal CLK, via its terminals O₁, O₂, . . . , O_(n). The shift register 3 outputs the same signals as it outputs via its terminals O₁, O₂, . . . , O_(n) also via its terminals O₁′, O₂′, . . . , O_(n)′.

[0049] As a result, the transistors C₁ and C₁′, the transistors C₂ and C₂′, . . . , the transistors C_(n) and C_(n)′ are sequentially kept on for one period of the clock signal CLK one pair after another, specifically in such a way that the transistors C₁, and C₁′ remain on between time points t₃ and t₅, the transistors C₂ and C₂′ remain on between time points t₅ and t₇, and so forth. Thus, the signals of the image reading photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n) a re sequentially fed to the gate of the transistor 4-1, and the signals of the dummy photodiodes PD₁′, PD₂′, . . . , PD_(n)′ are sequentially fed to the gate of the transistor 4-2.

[0050] Moreover, as FIG. 3 shows, the shift register 3 also sequentially outputs, in synchronism with the third and following rising edges of the clock signal CLK after the rising edge of the start trigger signal ST, negative pulses, each having a pulse width equal to one period of the clock signal CLK, via its terminals M₁, M₂, . . . , M_(n).

[0051] As a result, the transistors B₁, B₂, . . . , B_(n) are sequentially kept on for one period of the clock signal CLK one after another, specifically in such a way that the transistor B₁ remains on between time points t₄ and t₆, the transistor B₂ remains on between time points t₆ and t₈, and so forth. Thus, the image reading photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n) are initialized sequentially.

[0052] In this way, if one pays attention to the first image reading photodiode PD₁, whereas the transistor C₁ is kept on between time points t₃ and t₅ so that the signal of the photodiode PD₁ is read out, the transistor B₁ is also kept on between time points t₄ and t₅ (i.e. during the last half of the read period) so that the photodiode PD₁ is initialized. Thus, only the signal read out between time points t₃ and t₄ (i.e. during the first half of the read period) is actually used. Likewise, also with the other image reading photodiodes PD₂, PD₃, . . , PD_(n), only the signals read out during the first half of their respective read period are actually used.

[0053] Moreover, as FIG. 3 shows, the shift register 3 also sequentially outputs, in synchronism with the trailing edges of the clock signal CLK after the rising edge of the start trigger signal ST, negative pulses, each having a pulse width equal to one period of the clock signal CLK, via its terminals M₁′, M₂′, . . . , M_(n)′.

[0054] As a result, the transistors B₁′, B₂′, . . . , B_(n)′ are sequentially kept on for one period of the clock signal CLK one after another, specifically in such a way that the transistor B₁′ remains on between time points t₁ and t₃, the transistor B₂′ remains on between time points t₃ and t₅, and so forth. Thus, the dummy photodiodes PD₁′, PD₂′, . . . , PD_(n)′ are initialized sequentially.

[0055] Moreover, the shift register 3 outputs, at its terminal E, a signal, which is fed out of the IC chip via its terminal T_(SO) so as to be fed to the terminal T_(SI) of the next IC chip. That is, this signal is used as the start trigger signal ST in the next IC chip. Here, the shift register 3 outputs one positive pulse via its terminal E with such appropriate timing as to prevent interference between the reading of the signal of the last image reading photodiode PD_(n) of the IC chip under discussion and the reading of the signal of the first image reading photodiode PD₁ of the next IC chip.

[0056] In this circuit configuration, the differences between the signals of the image reading photodiodes PD_(x) and the signals of the corresponding dummy photodiodes PDx1 are output. Thus, even if there are variations, inevitable in the manufacture of the device, among the signal levels obtained from the photodiodes within each IC chip or from one IC chip to another, they are canceled. This makes the obtained signal levels uniform as compared with those obtained in the circuit configuration of the first embodiment.

[0057]FIGS. 4A and 4B show a top view and a sectional view, respectively, of a portion corresponding to the image reading photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n) of each of the IC chips constituting the image reading devices of the first and second embodiments described above. On an insulating film 24, a metal conductor 25, such as one made of aluminum, is formed so as to connect a P-type substrate 21, which serves as the anodes of the photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n), to ground through P+-type contact regions 23 formed around N-type regions 22, which serve as the cathodes of the photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n). The conductor 25 has openings W formed therein to permit light to strike on the N-type regions 22.

[0058] On the chip edge 30 side of the photodiodes PD₁ and PD_(n) located at both ends of the IC chip, conductors 26 are formed integrally with the conductor 25 in such a way that the outer ends of the conductors 26 coincide with the chip edges 30. That is, on the chip edge 30 side of the photodiodes PD₁ and PD_(n), the conductors 26 are formed so as to reach the chip edges 30.

[0059] Thus, with respect to the image reading photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n), the portions between the photodiodes PD₁ and PD_(n) located at both ends and the chip edges 30 are shielded from light by the conductors 26. This reduces the amount of unwanted light that leaks in the photodiodes PD₁ and PD_(n) at both ends obliquely from above, and makes it difficult for the unwanted light that has entered the IC chip through the sides thereof to reach the photodiodes PD₁ and PD_(n) at both ends. In this way, it is possible to make light shield conditions nearly equal for the photodiodes PD₁ and PD_(n) at both ends and for the other photodiodes, and thereby reduce variations among the signal levels obtained.

[0060] In FIGS. 4A and 4B, as described above, the conductors 25 and 26 are formed integrally, and the conductors 26 are formed so as to reach the chip edges 30. This may cause short-circuiting between the substrate 21 and the conductor 25 during scribing. However, in FIGS. 4A and 4B, this does not pose a problem because the substrate 21 and the conductor 25 are at the same potential.

[0061] On the other hand, in cases where the substrate 21 and the conductor 25 are at different potentials, it is possible, as FIG. 5 shows, to secure between conductors 25 and 26 gaps G sufficiently small as compared with the conductor width secured on the chip edge 30 side of the photodiodes PD₁ and PD_(n) located at both ends, and form the conductors 26 fully up to the chip edges 30. Alternatively, it is possible, as FIG. 6 shows, to form the conductors 26 short of the chip edges 30 but still well into the areas covering the distance W3 from the chip edges 30 where no other conductor is supposed to be formed by design rules.

[0062] The conductors 26 may be formed only in the vicinity of the photodiodes PD₁ and PD_(n) at both ends along the chip edges 30, or may be formed all along the chip edges 30. Even in cases where the substrate 21 and the conductor 25 are at the same potential, the conductors 26 may be formed as shown in FIGS. 5 or 6.

[0063] Likewise, also with the dummy photodiodes PD₁′, PD₂′, . . . , PD_(n)′, the portions between the photodiodes at both ends and the chip edges may be shielded from light in the same manner as with the image reading photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n). In this way, it is possible to make light shield conditions nearly equal for the photodiodes at both ends and for the other photodiodes, and thereby further reduce variations among the signal levels obtained.

[0064] Another point to be noted is that, as FIG. 4 shows, contact holes H for connecting the P-type substrate 21, which serves as the anodes of the image reading photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n), to the conductor 25 are preferably formed at predetermined intervals in a row in the insulating film 24 in such a way as to surround the image reading photodiodes PD₁, PD₂, . . . , PD_(n). In this arrangement, even if light enters the image reading photodiodes through openings other than the openings formed on themselves, it is shut off by the conductor material that fills the contact holes H. In this way, it is possible to make light shield conditions more nearly equal for the individual image reading photodiodes, and thereby further reduce variations among the signals levels obtained.

[0065] Alternatively, as FIGS. 7A and 7B show, the contact holes may be formed in two or more rows (in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in two rows) in such a way that between two adjacent contact holes of one row comes a contact hole of another row. This arrangement is more effective in shutting off the light that enters the image reading photodiodes through openings other than the openings formed on themselves.

[0066] By forming the anode conductor and the contact holes in the same manner as described above also for the dummy photodiodes, it is possible to make light shield conditions more nearly equal for the dummy photodiodes, and thereby further reduce variations among the signal levels obtained.

[0067] The present invention may be implemented in any other manner than is specifically described above as embodiments. For example, it is possible to completely omit dummy photodiodes, or provide only one dummy photodiode common to all the image reading photodiodes and output the differences between the signals of the individual image reading photodiodes and the signal of the dummy photodiode. This helps simplify the circuit configuration, and thus contributes to miniaturization and cost reduction.

[0068] Providing as many dummy photodiodes as image reading photodiodes, however, makes it possible to arrange the dummy photodiodes close to the corresponding image reading photodiodes. Thus, in this arrangement, outputting the differences between the signals of the image reading photodiodes and the signals of the dummy photodiodes arranged close thereto makes it possible to reduce variations among the signal levels obtained within the same IC chip due to variations in the characteristics of the individual elements.

[0069] As described above, according to the present invention, in an image reading device composed of IC chips each having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements formed in a row thereon, it is possible to make light shield conditions nearly equal for the photoelectric conversion elements located at both ends of the IC chips and for the other photoelectric conversion elements. This makes it possible to reduce variations in the signal levels obtained from the individual photoelectric conversion elements. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An image reading device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements formed in one or more rows on an IC chip and a conductor layer having openings formed therein for limiting light striking the photoelectric conversion elements, wherein a conductor having substantially a same width as the conductor layer is formed in an area extending from a photoelectric conversion element located at each end of the IC chip to a chip edge.
 2. An image reading device comprising an IC chip, the IC chip comprising: a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged at predetermined intervals in one or more rows on the IC chip and having an opening each; a first metal conductor layer formed around the openings individually so as to prevent light from striking the photoelectric conversion elements except through the openings; and a second metal conductor layer formed between the photoelectric conversion element located at an end of the row and a chip edge so as to shut off light coming from a direction of the chip edge.
 3. An image reading device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first and second metal conductor layers are connected together by being formed continuously starting from the chip edge.
 4. An image reading device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second metal conductor layer is formed staring from the chip edge, and is insulated from the first metal conductor layer by a gap secured in between.
 5. An image reading device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second metal conductor layer is insulated from the chip edge by a gap secured in between, and is connected to the first metal conductor layer by being formed continually therewith.
 6. An image reading device comprising an IC chip, the IC chip comprising: a semiconductor substrate on which elements are formed; a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged at predetermined intervals in one or more rows on the semiconductor substrate; an insulating layer formed over substantially an entire surface of the IC chip on and around the photoelectric conversion elements; a metal conductor layer formed on a surface of the insulating layer with openings formed above the photoelectric conversion elements and in such a way as to surround the openings, the metal conductor layer serving to prevent light from striking the photoelectric conversion elements except through the openings; and a plurality of contact holes formed at predetermined intervals in at least one row in the insulating layer so as to surround the openings, the contact holes serving to connect the metal conductor layer to the semiconductor substrate and simultaneously preventing light from striking the photoelectric conversion elements through openings other than the openings formed right above the respective photoelectric conversion elements.
 7. An image reading device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: a semiconductor substrate on which elements are formed; an insulating layer formed over substantially an entire surface of the IC chip on and around the photoelectric conversion elements; and a plurality of contact holes formed at predetermined intervals in at least one row in the insulating layer so as to surround the openings, the contact holes serving to connect the first metal conductor layer to the semiconductor substrate and simultaneously preventing light from striking the photoelectric conversion elements through openings other than particular openings. 